When it comes to mental health advice, we often hear suggestions like “try yoga” or “start journaling.” But what if the real solution is to stop doing harmful things instead? Recent research from the University of Bath and the University of Hong Kong shows that advice tends to focus on adding tasks rather than removing negative habits. This “additive advice bias” appears in personal conversations, social media, and even from AI chatbots. Instead of helping, this advice can make people feel more burdened.
As mental health issues rise globally, many turn to friends, family, online communities, or AI for support. Understanding how we give and receive advice may be crucial for more effective help.
A study published in Communications Psychology looked at eight experiments involving hundreds of participants. Researchers analyzed how people advised on harmful activities, like gambling, and beneficial ones, like exercising.
Here are some key findings:
- Adding tasks is the norm: People are more likely to suggest adding actions rather than removing harmful ones.
- People think it’s easier: Many believe doing more is simpler and better than letting go of bad habits.
- Relationships matter: It’s seen as easier to suggest cutting out harmful habits for close friends than for ourselves.
- AI mirrors this bias: ChatGPT and similar tools often give advice that encourages adding more activities.
“Good advice should balance both doing more and doing less. But our findings show a trend toward adding responsibilities. Even AI reflects this pattern, which can make mental health seem like an endless task list.”
— Dr. Tom Barry, Senior Author, University of Bath
Dr. Nadia Adelina, a co-author, added, “As AI chatbots become popular sources for mental health guidance, they risk reinforcing this bias. Incorporating prompts that encourage people to think about what they might remove could lead to better, more balanced advice.”
This research is especially relevant in today’s context. In recent years, a growing number of people have sought mental health resources online, especially during stressful times like the pandemic. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that over 70% of adults felt overwhelmed by the challenges they faced, making effective advice critical for well-being.
Shifting the focus from adding to removing could empower individuals to take charge of their mental health. Instead of piling on more tasks, let’s encourage the release of what’s weighing us down.
For further reading, check out the detailed findings in the study: Barry, T. J., & Adelina, N. (2025). People overlook subtractive solutions to mental health problems. Communications Psychology.
Source link
Mental Health, Psychology, Research, Social Media, Yoga
